HE GOVERNMENT LINE
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The government says that imposing £2,000 film on hauliers caught with immigrants has significantly improved cross-Channel curity, with pressure from hauliers forcing the introduction of CO2 checks and better rest areas at Dover. Checks by PM) Stena ne and improved security at Coquelles and on board Le Shuttle have also followed.
Up to the beginning of April, 837 penalty notices had been served on vehicles caught carrying 4,666 stowaways with penalties tailing £9,332,000, of which £1,085,000 had been paid—securities held total 1674,000. The number of vehicles detained totals 19, of which 152 had been released on payment of the penalty or a security.
So far, 202 cases where payment is overdue have been referred to Home Office lawyers. About 10% of penalties have been hdrawn after consideration of notices of objection. The decision to impose a penalty is taken by the Chief Immigration Officer; uliers facing a penalty have 30 days to object or 60 days to pay.